Dear Editor, Although I am not a big fan of Councillor John Lines on a lot of his policies, I think on this occasion he has got it right (Council: We’ll house our own people first, Post, October 14).
With so many local people living in inadequate circumstances, any amount, no matter how small, of social housing that can be clawed back and returned to the people of Birmingham to use, should be.
Yes we should be offering shelter to those who are facing persecution and fear for their lives, only the most hard hearted and bigoted would deny a fellow human being the right to live an existence free from untold horrors.
But surely it should be down to the UK Border agency to provide their own accommodation without putting more pressure on an already under-funded housing system.
Just walk around Birmingham and see the many buildings rotting and in need of occupation.
Why can the UK Border agencies not put the money they are spending on social housing to fund asylum centres where asylum seeker’s specific needs can be met.
I am sure asylum seekers would be far happier knowing their needs are being dealt with by one agency rather than several different gouverning bodies.
We must not neglect our own, who in many cases have become homeless not through choice but through circumstances beyond their control and we must relieve the pressure on Birmingham City Council’s budget which is being stretched to the limit to provide housing.
Darren Murphy
Weoley Castle, Birmingham
